Navy in 2016 considered 'frictionless' requirement for a 500-ship fleet

In 2016, the Navy considered a need for hundreds more warships than the 355 the service eventually decided represents the force-level goal needed to execute the Obama administration's defense strategy, according to a senior official involved in crafting the 2016 Force Structure Assessment.

Navy in 2016 considered 'frictionless' requirement for a 500-ship fleet

In 2016, the Navy considered a need for hundreds more warships than the 355 the service eventually decided represents the force-level goal needed to execute the Obama administration's defense strategy, according to a senior official involved in crafting the 2016 Force Structure Assessment.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner nation that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe

Finland intends to use the missiles on its Hamina class ships, Multirole Corvette ships, and Coastal Batteries. The missiles will provide enhanced capabilities in effective defense of critical sea lanes. The proposed sale of the missiles and support will increase the Finnish Navy's maritime partnership potential and increase regional security capability. Finland has not purchased Harpoon Block II+ ER previously, but will have no difficulty incorporating this capability into its armed forces.

I hadn't seen the term Grade B applied to Harpoon before. Turns out it refers to the type of launch canister used. There's a lightweight canister (MK 6) intended mainly for FACs, a thick wall canister (MK 12) for the battleships, and the Grade B standard shock-resistant canister (MK 7) for everything else.

Five pretty much expected options. Pretty disappointed there was no comprehensive accounting of the bidders before this award, though, would have been interesting to see if there were more longshot bids like Atlas or if Eastern had submitted an OPC variant.

Five pretty much expected options. Pretty disappointed there was no comprehensive accounting of the bidders before this award, though, would have been interesting to see if there were more longshot bids like Atlas or if Eastern had submitted an OPC variant.

Quote

The Navy would not confirm how many groups bid for the work. At least one U.S.-German team that was not selected for a design contract, Atlas USA and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, told USNI News they had submitted for the competition.

A Korean co may have made an initial bid, but it hasn't been publicized if so and the Navy isn't discussing bids which were outside the Top 5. My understanding a few months ago was that there were 9 or more total bidders, other than Atlas none were made public.